King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:35 Mean?

Matthew 27:35 in the King James Version says “And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophe... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Matthew 27:35 · KJV


Context

33

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

34

They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

35

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

36

And sitting down they watched him there;

37

And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They crucified him (σταυρώσαντες, staurōsantes)—Matthew gives no details of the crucifixion itself, the horror too well-known to describe. Nails through wrists and feet, body suspended, suffocation setting in. Parted his garments, casting lots (διεμερίσαντο τὰ ἱμάτια...βάλλοντες κλῆρον, diemerisanto...ballontes klēron)—fulfilling Psalm 22:18 precisely.

While Jesus hangs between heaven and earth, bearing cosmic sin, soldiers gamble for his seamless tunic. The contrast is staggering: the Son of God dies; men play dice. Yet even their greed fulfills prophecy, demonstrating divine sovereignty over every detail of redemption's plan.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman crucifixion victims' clothing became the executioners' perquisite. A Jewish man's garments typically included sandals, head covering, belt, outer garment, and tunic (five pieces). John 19:23-24 specifies the seamless tunic that was not torn but gambled for intact.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the soldiers' indifference—gambling while Jesus dies—reveal about human depravity?
  2. How does the fulfillment of Psalm 22:18 demonstrate God's sovereignty over every detail of the crucifixion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
σταυρώσαντες1 of 28

they crucified

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

δὲ2 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῦ3 of 28

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

διεμερίσαντο4 of 28

They parted

G1266

to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)

τὸν5 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱμάτια6 of 28

garments

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

αὐτοῦ7 of 28

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἔβαλον8 of 28

casting

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

κλῆρον,9 of 28

lots

G2819

a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)

ἵνα10 of 28

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πληρωθῇ11 of 28

it might be fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τὸν12 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ῥηθὲν13 of 28

was spoken

G4483

to utter, i.e., speak or say

ὑπὸ14 of 28

by

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τὸν15 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφήτου,16 of 28

the prophet

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

διεμερίσαντο17 of 28

They parted

G1266

to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)

τὸν18 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱμάτια19 of 28

garments

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

μου20 of 28

my

G3450

of me

ἑαυτοῖς,21 of 28

among them

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καὶ22 of 28

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπὶ23 of 28

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν24 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱματισμόν25 of 28

vesture

G2441

clothing

μου26 of 28

my

G3450

of me

ἔβαλον27 of 28

casting

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

κλῆρον,28 of 28

lots

G2819

a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 27:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 27:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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